In 1965 Tezuka was invited by Stanley Kubrick to work on the design for his next science fiction project. ​ Kubrick had been impressed by //Astro Boy//: ​ Its clean, streamlined look was exactly what he wanted for //2001: A Space Odyssey//​. ​

In 1965 Tezuka was invited by Stanley Kubrick to work on the design for his next science fiction project. ​ Kubrick had been impressed by //Astro Boy//: ​ Its clean, streamlined look was exactly what he wanted for //2001: A Space Odyssey//​. ​

With great reluctance, Tezuka declined. ​ Kubrick wanted him to relocate his team to London for a year, but his commitments didn't permit this. Later Tezuka often played the //2001// soundtrack at full volume though his long working nights. ​

With great reluctance, Tezuka declined. ​ Kubrick wanted him to relocate his team to London for a year, but his commitments didn't permit this. Later Tezuka often played the //2001// soundtrack at full volume though his long working nights. ​